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Jets sign sign DE Coleman, re-sign DE Hamilton

The New York Jets added depth at defensive end Tuesday, signing free agent Kenyon Coleman and re-signing Bobby Hamilton.

Financial terms of both deals were not disclosed.

Coleman, 27, spent his previous four seasons with Dallas. The 6-5, 295-pounder recorded 31 tackles and a career-high four sacks while playing all 16 games last season.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to play for coach (Eric) Mangini and help the team in any way I can,” Coleman said.

Originally a 2002 second-round pick of Oakland, Coleman has 68 tackles and 6 1/2 sacks in 57 career games.

“Kenyon Coleman is a physical defensive lineman and we like his size and strength up front,” Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. “He has experience playing the 3-4 defense, and we’re looking forward to him being a part of our organization.”

A 13-year veteran, Hamilton, 35, rejoins the Jets just five days after he was released. He recorded 30 tackles as a backup last season.

The Atlanta Falcons kept up their offseason purge Monday, releasing offensive guard Matt Lehr.

The Atlanta Falcons kept up their offseason purge Monday, releasing offensive guard Matt Lehr.

Lehr started 26 games at left guard in two years with the Falcons. He served a four-game suspension this past season for a violation of the NFL’s steroids policy.

The 6-foot-2, 304-pound Lehr was part of an offensive line that relied heavily on zone blocking schemes to create holes for the league’s most productive running game. But new coach Bobby Petrino has made it clear he wants a bulkier line and better protection for quarterback Michael Vick.

The Falcons also released tight end Gavin Tarquinio, who was on injured reserve during his rookie season with a shoulder injury. He played at Georgia Tech and signed with Atlanta as an undrafted free agent.

Oakland Raiders

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Linebacker Adalius Thomas signed New England Patriots

Linebacker Adalius Thomas, one of the most sought-after free agents, signed Saturday with the New England Patriots, giving the three-time Super Bowl winners a player in the mold of the departed Willie McGinest.

The 29-year-old Pro Bowler, one of the keys to the Baltimore’s defense last season, can play several positions, including outside linebacker and defensive end — as McGinest did until he left last season for Cleveland.

Thomas, at 6-foot-2-inches and 270 pounds, said he even lined up at cornerback in a defensive package designed to handle Pittsburgh’s physical receivers, matching wideouts stride-for-stride.

“I’m a football player. I don’t play a position. Whatever is needed for me to do here, I’m going to do,” he said. “That’s why the Patriots have been so successful here because they don’t look at it as position. They look at it as football.”

The Patriots also announced the signings of two other veterans: tight end Kyle Brady from Jacksonville and back up running back Sammy Morris from division-rival Miami.

 
 

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